BIG BROTHER – A LEGENDARY RED SEA DIVE DESTINATION

Rising from the depths of the Red Sea, Big Brother stands as a beacon of adventure, history, and untouched marine beauty. Marked by its historic British-built lighthouse (1883) and guarded by the Egyptian military, this remote island offers one of the most sought-after diving experiences in the world.

Beneath the surface, the spectacular vertical walls are adorned with thriving Gorgonian fans, vibrant soft corals, and endless schools of Anthias, creating a mesmerizing underwater landscape. The legendary wrecks of Numidia and Aida rest here, encrusted with marine life and waiting to be explored by those seeking the extraordinary.

For thrill-seekers, Big Brother is home to an array of majestic pelagic species—encounters with Grey Reef Sharks, Thresher Sharks, Longimanus (from October/November), and even Hammerhead Sharks are not uncommon. Add to that the presence of Hawksbill Turtles gracefully navigating the reef, and you have a dive site that is nothing short of breathtaking.

An experience few can reach, but none can forget.

LITTLE BROTHER – A HIDDEN GEM OF THE RED SEA

Just 1 km south of its larger counterpart, Little Brother offers an equally thrilling yet more intimate diving experience. With dramatic deep walls and a stunning northern plateau, this site feels like an aquarium in the wild, teeming with marine life in every direction.

Here, divers can encounter Hawksbill Turtles, Grey Reef Sharks, elusive Thresher Sharks, and even Hammerhead Sharks, all drawn by the nutrient-rich waters. The southeastern “Gorgonian Forest” is a breathtaking sight, where vast sea fans create a magical underwater landscape. Keep an eye out for the Longnose Hawkfish, a shy but striking resident, perfectly camouflaged among the corals.

With ever-changing currents that add an element of excitement, Little Brother is a dive site that challenges, surprises, and rewards those who seek the extraordinary.

DAEDALUS – A REMOTE HAVEN FOR BIG MARINE LIFE

Located 80 km offshore from Marsa Alam, Daedalus Reef is one of the most untouched and exhilarating dive sites in the Red Sea. Dominated by its historic British-built lighthouse (1861), this remote reef offers predictable currents and unmatched encounters with pelagic life.

Divers can expect schooling Hammerhead Sharks, Thresher Sharks in the north, and the occasional Manta Ray gliding through from March to October. Grey Reef Sharks and Whitetip Reef Sharks patrol the walls, while Whale Sharks make rare yet unforgettable summer appearances.

The reef’s pristine coral formations are a visual masterpiece. The north and east boast sprawling hard corals, while the south plateau is carpeted in vibrant yellow Litophyton Arboreum and Pulsing Xenia. The west side reveals ‘Anemone City,’ an entire reef wall covered in Magnificent Anemone, alongside an awe-inspiring section of Elephant Ear Coral.

With its dramatic topography, crystal-clear waters, and thriving marine ecosystem, Daedalus is a must-visit for those seeking raw, untouched beauty beneath the surface.

ELPHINSTONE – A LEGENDARY RED SEA DIVE SITE

Rising from the depths 6 km off Marsa Alam, Elphinstone Reef is a world-famous, cigar-shaped reef known for its dramatic drop-offs, vibrant coral walls, and exhilarating drift dives.

Its north and south plateaus are thriving with life, while the steep reef walls explode in color, covered in a mix of hard and soft corals. The currents here are unpredictable, adding an element of excitement to every dive.

While shark encounters are never guaranteed, Oceanic Whitetip Sharks (Longimanus) are commonly seen patrolling the shallows in season. Hammerhead Sharks, Grey Reef Sharks, Silky Sharks, and even Manta Rays make occasional appearances. Schools of Barracuda hover in the blue, while Cornet Fish cleverly use divers as camouflage while they hunt Anthias.

With its rich biodiversity, stunning coral formations, and thrilling pelagic encounters, Elphinstone is an iconic dive site that promises unforgettable moments beneath the waves.

DAEDALUS
Located 80 km offshore from Marsa Alam, Daedalus Reef is one of the most untouched and exhilarating dive sites in the Red Sea. Dominated by its historic British-built lighthouse (1861), this remote reef offers predictable currents and unmatched encounters with pelagic life.

Divers can expect schooling Hammerhead Sharks, Thresher Sharks in the north, and the occasional Manta Ray gliding through from March to October. Grey Reef Sharks and Whitetip Reef Sharks patrol the walls, while Whale Sharks make rare yet unforgettable summer appearances.

The reef’s pristine coral formations are a visual masterpiece. The north and east boast sprawling hard corals, while the south plateau is carpeted in vibrant yellow Litophyton Arboreum and Pulsing Xenia. The west side reveals ‘Anemone City,’ an entire reef wall covered in Magnificent Anemone, alongside an awe-inspiring section of Elephant Ear Coral.

With its dramatic topography, crystal-clear waters, and thriving marine ecosystem, Daedalus is a must-visit for those seeking raw, untouched beauty beneath the surface.

ST JOHN’S CAVES – A PHOTOGRAPHER’S UNDERWATER HAVEN

The St John’s Caves are a true paradise for photographers and videographers, offering stunning underwater visuals that captivate all who visit. As sunlight filters through cracks in the reef, it casts beautiful, dappled patterns across the rubbly and sandy floors, creating an ethereal atmosphere.

While exploring sites like Paradise Reef Eltrufa and Elorug Reef, divers can spot Bluespotted Rays gracefully gliding by, while Porcupine Fish hide in the shadows. The many passageways are lined with feathery Hydroids, glowing in hues of red, orange, and yellow, catching the light in mesmerizing ways.

Keep an eye out for George, the friendly Napoleon Wrasse, who loves to greet divers beneath the boat, inspecting his reflection in camera domes. Dive enthusiasts will also enjoy spotting rare species like Juvenile Clown Coris, Bicolour Parrot Fish, and Gold-Dotted Flatworms. And for a truly magical experience, visit at night to witness the enchanting Spanish Dancers in motion.

St John’s Caves is a dive site where every corner offers an unforgettable experience and breathtaking shots.

Zabargad is the largest marine park in Egypt’s southern Red Sea, located near the Rocky Island Marine Park, just 5km southeast. The park is known for its Turtle Bay, a vibrant ecosystem teeming with reef fish, cuttlefish, octopus, blue-spotted rays, and crocodile fish. This area is also a nesting ground for turtles, especially during August.

As you venture beyond the sheltered coves, Zabargad offers thrilling walls rich in both hard and soft corals, and strong currents that attract a variety of pelagic species. Divers can spot oceanic whitetip sharks, grey reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, silvertip sharks, and even manta rays. The site also features the Khanka Wreck, adding an exciting dive destination for wreck lovers. This is truly a diverse and dynamic location, perfect for adventurers seeking an unforgettable dive experience.

Overview

The Brother Islands get their name from the company that electrified the lighthouse, originally powered by a light equivalent to 5,000 candles. These volcanic islands rest on a ridge that plunges over 1,000 meters to the west and east. The dark basalt rock, remnants of the islands’ volcanic past, is clearly visible and stands in sharp contrast to the lighter reef structure surrounding it, adding to the islands’ mystique and making them a must-see for divers.

Description

Big Brother is a striking island, 200m long and 60m wide, with steep walls except for the eastern plateau. On the island, visitors often have the chance to stretch their legs, chat with the lighthouse keeper over a shisha, or purchase small souvenirs while soaking in panoramic views from the lighthouse. Depending on the military’s mood, access to the island can vary.

The “Numidia”, a general cargo ship, lies diagonally from 15m to 75m after it struck the west side of the island in 1901. The wreck, carrying rails and railroad wheels, scattered its cargo across the reef. The overgrowth on the wreck is some of the most beautiful in the world, stopping at around 40 meters. It’s known for its colorful coral growth and thriving marine life, making it a popular and photogenic dive site.

The “Aida” is located on the southern side of Big Brother, resting at a depth of 30m to 65m after running aground on the fringing reef in 1953. Originally intended to bring personnel and supplies to the lighthouse, the ship has been battered by storms over the years, especially the ones in 2010. Despite its wear, the Aida still offers a fascinating dive experience, with the reef enveloping it in a vibrant display of marine life.

The western end of Big Brother tends to have high waves and strong currents, but if conditions are favorable, divers have the opportunity to see gray reef sharks and hammerhead sharks in the afternoon, as they pass between the wrecks. On the eastern plateau, divers will encounter thresher sharks and frequent sightings of gray reef sharks. The northern side features beautiful coral-covered notches, home to a rich variety of fish species. The reef wall here is a stunning blend of soft and hard corals, teeming with marine life and making it an unforgettable dive.

To the south of Big Brother, there is a jetty that supplies the lighthouse, and shallow notches at depths of 2 to 5 meters teem with massive schools of fish. Divers can also find juvenile Napoleon wrasse, hunting cornetfish, and other juvenile fish species. In the open water, expect encounters with mackerels, tunas, and barracudas as they hunt through the area.

Hotspots

Route planning at Big Brother is relatively easy—the current will guide you. In spring, high waves are common, and the currents at the Zodiacs’ drop-off points are strong, so divers should be prepared for fast descents. These currents can carry you quickly if you’re not careful, so it’s crucial to keep your ENOS on hand for safety. A quick descent is essential to avoid being swept away by the surface current and to get to the action as quickly as possible.

Plan

Morning – Thresher Sharks at the Eastern Plateau

The eastern plateau is the best place to see thresher sharks, especially in the morning when they come closer to the reef. At 36 to 45 meters, you’ll find not only these elusive sharks but also stunning reef formations. If conditions allow, use the flow shadow of the reef’s small hills to extend your bottom time before drifting west along the overgrown steep wall, where more shark encounters await.

Noon – Exploring the Aida Wreck

Take the Zodiac to Aida, a wreck that begins at 30 meters, where the upper sections are teeming with glassfish. Swim through the open holds and explore the scattered cargo, remnants of its lighthouse supply mission. Afterward, drift east along the jagged reef wall, where vibrant marine life and historical wreckage create a fascinating dive.

Afternoon – Numidia Wreck Adventure

If conditions allow, head to the Numidia, one of the most stunning wreck dives in the Red Sea. The northern side is covered with a breathtaking mix of soft and hard corals, while the southern side remains well-preserved, with cargo still visible. Expect strong currents, typically flowing from the north to the west, bringing abundant fish life and an exhilarating drift dive.

Late Afternoon – Thresher Sharks and Hunting Predators

Finish the day at the northeast tip, where fading light triggers a predatory feeding frenzy. Expect to see yellowfin tuna, fathead mackerel, barracudas, and often thresher sharks hunting near the drop-off. Stay still and observe—the action will unfold around you, making for a spectacular final dive.

Overview

The North Strait of T

iran is a gateway to the Red Sea’s most exhilarating dive sites, known for its powerful currents, dramatic underwater topography, and rich marine biodiversity. This narrow passage separates the Sinai Peninsula from Saudi Arabia, funneling nutrient-rich waters that attract a spectacular array of marine life. The strait is framed by four iconic reefs—Gordon, Thomas, Woodhouse, and Jackson—each offering a unique dive experience. The striking contrast between the deep blue water and the vibrant coral gardens makes the North Strait of Tiran a must-visit for divers seeking adventure and unparalleled underwater beauty.

Description

The North Strait is famous for its strong currents, making it a hotspot for drift diving and encounters with pelagic species. The reefs here rise from the depths like towering underwater plateaus, creating dramatic drop-offs and sheltered lagoons teeming with life.

Jackson Reef

The northernmost reef, Jackson, is a spectacular site known for its rich coral formations and abundant marine species. On the northern side, divers can explore the wreckage of the Lara, a Cypriot freighter that ran aground in 1981. The deeper sections of Jackson often feature schooling hammerhead sharks, particularly in the summer months, while the shallower areas are home to vast coral gardens and schools of fusiliers, snappers, and barracudas.

Thomas Reef

Thomas Reef is considered one of the most beautiful dive sites in the Red Sea. It features sheer vertical walls adorned with soft corals in dazzling shades of pink, red, and purple. The famous Thomas Canyon, a deep, narrow crack in the reef, offers breathtaking swim-throughs at depths ranging from 35m to 90m, making it a favorite for technical divers. Strong currents make this an exhilarating drift dive, with the chance to spot eagle rays, reef sharks, and even the occasional manta ray.

Woodhouse Reef

This elongated reef, known for its rugged underwater terrain, is less visited than the others but offers an exciting dive with its deep ridges and overhangs. The northern section often experiences swirling currents, attracting large schools of jackfish, barracudas, and trevallies. Turtles are commonly seen here, along with moray eels hiding in the reef’s crevices.

Gordon Reef

Gordon Reef is easily recognized by the wreckage of the Loullia, a cargo ship that ran aground in 1981. It features a gently sloping plateau with numerous coral pinnacles and sandy patches, making it ideal for less experienced divers. Stingrays, Napoleon wrasse, and whitetip reef sharks frequent the area, while the surrounding open water is often patrolled by hunting tuna and mackerel.

Hotspots

Diving in the North Strait of Tiran requires careful route planning, as the currents can be unpredictable and change direction rapidly. In spring and early summer, strong upwellings bring colder water from the depths, increasing nutrient levels and attracting large predators

Drift diving is key – Many dives here start from a Zodiac drop-off, and a controlled descent is crucial to avoid being swept away by the currents.

Best shark encounters – Hammerheads are often seen on the northern side of Jackson Reef, especially in the summer.

Deep diving opportunities – Thomas Canyon offers technical divers an unforgettable experience with its deep, narrow passages.

Wreck exploration – The Lara on Jackson Reef and the Loullia on Gordon Reef provide fascinating wreck dives, though penetration is not advised due to their deteriorating structures.

Plan

Morning – Hammerheads at Jackson Reef

Start your day at Jackson Reef’s northern drop-off, where hammerhead sharks patrol at 30 to 50 meters. Descend along the reef wall and keep an eye on the open blue for passing pelagics, including eagle rays and barracudas. The reef is teeming with giant gorgonians, soft corals, and schools of snappers, creating a breathtaking backdrop.

Noon – Thomas Canyon Exploration

Head to Thomas Reef to explore its dramatic drop-offs and the famous Thomas Canyon. At 35-40 meters, deep crevices and tunnels create an exhilarating dive experience, ideal for advanced divers. The reef wall is adorned with vibrant soft corals, black corals, and swarming anthias, making this a visually stunning dive.

Afternoon – Drift Dive at Woodhouse Reef

Woodhouse Reef offers a thrilling drift dive along its eastern wall, where the current picks up speed. Expect to see hunting trevallies, barracudas, and the occasional reef shark cruising along the deep ridges. The overhangs and coral-covered ledges shelter moray eels, turtles, and schooling fusiliers.

Late Afternoon – Predators at Gordon Reef

End the day at Gordon Reef, where the fading sunlight triggers a feeding frenzy of predatory fish. Yellowfin tuna, ma

ckerel, and barracudas hunt in the open water, while whitetip reef sharks patrol the sandy seabed. Stay still

 and observe as these apex predators move through the currents, creating an unforgettable final dive.

Overview

The North – Straits of Tiran – Dahab – Brother Islands route offers an unforgettable Red Sea diving experience, combining thrilling drift dives, historic wrecks, stunning coral gardens, and exhilarating shark encounters. This route takes you through the best dive sites in Northern Egypt, including the famous wrecks of the SS Thistlegorm and Abu Nuhas, the powerful currents of the Straits of Tiran, the diverse marine life of Dahab, and the deep walls and shark hotspots of the Brother Islands. Expect to encounter pelagic species, vibrant reefs, and fascinating wrecks as you explore some of the most iconic underwater landscapes in the world.

Description

Northern Wrecks and Reefs

The journey begins in Northern Egypt, home to legendary wreck dives such as the SS Thistlegorm, a World War II cargo ship resting at 30 meters, filled with motorcycles, trucks, and war supplies. The Abu Nuhas wreck graveyard features four sunken ships, each offering a unique experience, from the coral-covered remains of the Carnatic to the eerie structure of the Giannis D. These wrecks are surrounded by thriving marine life, including moray eels, batfish, and hunting trevallies.

Straits of Tiran – High-Current Action

As we move south, the Straits of Tiran provide some of the most exciting drift dives in the Red Sea. Four major reefs—Gordon, Thomas, Woodhouse, and Jackson—rise from the seabed, funneling strong currents that attract hammerhead sharks, reef sharks, barracudas, and eagle rays. Jackson Reef, in particular, is known for its northern drop-off, where pelagic species patrol the blue, while Thomas Canyon features deep crevices perfect for experienced divers.

Dahab – Unique Dive Experiences

Dahab offers a change of pace with its relaxed yet adventurous diving. The Blue Hole, one of the world’s most famous dive sites, features a stunning arch at 55 meters, accessible to technical divers. Nearby, the Canyon offers a surreal dive through deep cracks in the reef, illuminated by sunlight streaming through its openings. Dahab is also home to shallow coral gardens teeming with macro life, seahorses, and schooling reef fish.

Brother Islands – Shark Encounters and Deep Walls

The final leg of the journey leads to the Brother Islands, an isolated pair of volcanic pinnacles rising from the depths. These islands are famous for their steep walls covered in soft corals, large pelagic life, and legendary wrecks. Big Brother features the Numidia and Aida wrecks, now fully encrusted with coral and home to large schools of fish. The currents here bring in thresher sharks, hammerheads, oceanic whitetips, and even manta rays, making it one of the best places in the Red Sea for big fish encounters.

Hotspots
Best Wrecks: SS Thistlegorm, Abu Nuhas (Giannis D, Carnatic, Chrisoula K)
Strongest Currents: Straits of Tiran (Jackson & Thomas Reef)
Best for Sharks: Brother Islands (Thresher, Hammerhead, Oceanic Whitetips)
Deepest Adventure: Dahab’s Blue Hole & Thomas Canyon
Best Drift Dive: Woodhouse Reef & Big Brother’s Wall

Plan

Morning – SS Thistlegorm Wreck Exploration

Start the journey with a dive at the legendary SS Thistlegorm, a World War II cargo ship resting at 30 meters. Explore its cargo holds filled with motorcycles, trucks, and war supplies, while batfish, trevallies, and groupers patrol the wreck. Finish with a drift along the wreck’s stern section, where large moray eels and barracudas are commonly seen.

Noon – Abu Nuhas Wrecks

Take the Zodiac to Abu Nuhas, known as the “Wreck Graveyard” due to its four sunken ships. Dive the Giannis D, famous for its tilting corridors and impressive structure, or explore the Carnatic, a wreck overgrown with soft corals and swarming with glassfish. These wrecks are perfect for penetration dives and photography, with moray eels and lionfish lurking among the remains.

Afternoon – Drift Dive at Jackson Reef

Head to the Straits of Tiran, starting with a drift dive at Jackson Reef’s northern drop-off. Strong currents attract hammerheads, eagle rays, and barracudas, making this a thrilling dive. The reef wall is covered in colorful soft corals and giant gorgonians, offering a perfect mix of pelagic action and stunning reef life.

Late Afternoon – Thomas Reef & Canyon

A short ride takes us to Thomas Reef, home to one of the most famous deep canyons in the Red Sea. Descend to 35 meters to explore the cracks and swim-throughs, where black corals and sea fans thrive. Drift along the reef wall, watching for reef sharks, Napoleon wrasse, and hunting trevallies.

Day 2 – Dahab & The Canyon

Morning – The Blue Hole Arch

Begin with a deep dive at Dahab’s Blue Hole, where experienced divers can descend through the Arch at 55 meters into the open sea. Look for turtles, groupers, and large pelagics as you explore the vertical reef wall. Shallower divers can enjoy the coral-covered rim, home to parrotfish, anthias, and moray eels.

Noon – The Canyon

Dive at The Canyon, where a deep crack in the reef leads to a stunning light-filled cavern. Descend to 30 meters and swim through the canyon’s overhangs and narrow passageways, surrounded by schools of glassfish and lionfish. This site offers an incredible mix of macro life and dramatic topography.

Afternoon – Dahab Coral Gardens & Drift Dive

End the Dahab experience with a relaxed coral garden dive, exploring shallow reefs filled with seahorses, nudibranchs, and schools of butterflyfish. A gentle drift along the Golden Blocks allows for easy exploration of the pinnacles and sandy slopes, perfect for spotting stingrays and blue-spotted rays.

Day 3 – Brother Islands Shark Dives

Morning – Thresher Sharks at Big Brother

Start with an early morning dive at Big Brother’s eastern plateau, where thresher sharks are often seen at 36 to 45 meters. The drop-off here is home to giant gorgonians and colorful soft corals, creating an otherworldly dive environment. Let the current guide you westward along the steep reef wall, where oceanic whitetips and hammerheads often pass by.

Noon – Exploring the Numidia Wreck

Take the Zodiac to the Numidia, a wreck resting between 15 to 75 meters, now fully encrusted with soft corals and black corals. The cargo is still visible, adding to the wreck’s mysterious atmosphere, while big schools of fusiliers and jacks swarm around. The currents here bring in pelagic action, making it one of the best deep wreck dives in the Red Sea.

Afternoon – Aida Wreck & Drift Dive

The final dive takes place at the Aida wreck, which sits between 30 and 65 meters, heavily covered in marine growth. Schools of glassfish and bannerfish hover around, while gray reef sharks and barracudas patrol the area. After exploring the wreck, drift along the reef’s southern wall, where Napoleon wrasse and hunting trevallies often appear.

Late Afternoon – Shark Action at the Northeast Tip

End the trip with a final shark dive at Big Brother’s northeast tip, where the fading sunlight triggers a predatory feeding frenzy. Watch as yello

wfin tuna, mackerels, and barracudas hunt in the open water, while thresher sharks and oceanic whitetips patrol the deeper drop-off. Stay still and let the action unfold—this is the perfect way to end an incredible Red Sea diving adventure.